I have never been to a show - I don't know if I will ever get to one. But listening to all of you and seeing the quilt pictures, I feel like I haven't missed a whole lot. I feel like I am at my own little private show and see what you all have done and what got you to where you are and what you use and what is best. I learned about the Side Winder (which I love), I learned about the inexpensive Harbor Freight rotary blades, which I bought cheap and am still using them with no problems whatsoever and I learned about the Fabri-Calc which I take with me when I go fabric shopping and I love it! So, thanks to all of you, I don't feel like I missed that much. And the money I save will get me more fabric to make more quilts and table runners and enjoy! Edie

Ditto. None of my friends are quilters so it's nice to discuss things with other women (usually). You can just strike up a conversation with anyone at a quilt show and they know what you are talking about. I have tried to share my love of quilting with my friends and although they are kind, they just aren't interested.

I think though you've learned alot on here if you ever went to one you'd love it. I went to my first a few yrs ago and went everyday except for Sunday and that was because that's when I start my work week and couldn't go. I have 6yr old grandson who loves going and seeing the quilts. When it's getting close to the show we use this as a bargaining chip to get him to behave or clean his room. He loves talking to all the venders, Martenile (wrong sp) even let him work their table that lifts up and down with a button. He loves the quilts and wants pictures of them all except for the mini ones about the size of a placemat because she says "GiGi, those aren't really quilts". I laugh at him.
The first yr my DD went with me and she found a fabric that I'd been looking for to finish a quilt that was already started; that was great. I don't buy many fabrics because for the most part I can find the same ones in our area for about the same price. I did buy some for jackets when I went down to Raleigh's expo this yr; that was a great show and I loved the classes. I'll go next yr and be more prepared (money wise) to take more classes. In NC I also got into dyeing fabrics so I got the special dye for that. Along with a few jacket patterns. Here one of the things that I got is a ruler organizer that goes on the wall and it holds my big rulers and I have one that sits on my cutting table for the small rulers. I want another one next yr when it comes to town. It was easy to put on the wall and even my biggest 14 x14 rulers fit in it. This past yr I also got some silk ribbon for flowers and really good deals on my thread for embroidery. I mainly just like to walk around and see what all is out there. It seams each day I see something that I didn't get to see the day before, even though I know it was there. So I may buy a little each day I try to wait until the last day to buy in case I see a better deal or something that will do the job better. If you get the chance to go you would enjoy it. I now prebuy my passes so its cheaper and you get more benefits

That's how it is for me, too! I even have lots of church friends who love to sew and some even quilt, but not with the same interest as me (which doesn't make me any better!), so I love to roam at a show and listen to other's talk and then pick up some fun fabric or a notion or two. This past summer I stopped to get some lunch and ended up talking to 2 MI ladies who had quilts in the show! They were so kind and interesting~they thought I ought to try entering a quilt in a show, but I don't think I have the talent or patience, so I'll just enjoy the looking!

Lynnie, I am sooooooo glad you explained that your brooklyn revolver was a lazy susan!!!

Google it. There are tutes and it helps with curved seams.

My best buy is BoNash bonding powder and a non stick ironing sheet in a kit. I use the pressing sheet on many applique projects. The BoNash powder is the same product as the wonder under or other fusible products.

My favorite item was a purse kit with pattern, all the fabrics need to complete, trim and a cd with 3 embroidery designs. Cost about 35.00 was sooo well worth it. All the profit went to local women's/children's shelters. This group offered new fabric combos for the next few years. The pattern had several "versions" so you could make several designs. I proudly carry the one bag I have completed, as a tribute to women and their children who have survived abuse.
I look for unusual fabrics and ideas. Someday I may get to work less and play more!

I love going to Quilt Shows! I can't go as much as I would like due to being my husband's caregiver.
However, there are so many ideas there; and if I want to buy quilting books I can look through them before buying. (To be honest I often buy them later online at a cheaper price!)

Two things come to mind. This year DH bought me the Janome Horizon at the quilt show in Augusta. That is my birthday, anniversary and Christmas present for years to come. The other was a quilt kit purchased at the same show but years earlier from a quilt show in KY or TN, forget which one. It was so much fun to put together and hangs over the bed in the guest room.